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Back to School Makeup and Skincare Must Haves and Trends FAQs:
Heading back to school means putting together a makeup bag with all the essentials for those quick touch-ups throughout the day! Just because you might be stressed out doesn’t mean you have to look stressed out.
Must Have Makeup Bag Essentials:
Lip Liner: Perfect for school days, a great lip liner defines your lips and prevents lipstick or gloss from bleeding. It can be worn alone for a subtle pop of color or paired with other lip products for a complete look.
Lip Balm: Keep at least one hydrating lip balm in your bag, backpack, or car at all times is a must. These multitaskers can be worn alone for a natural look or paired with lip liner for added definition while maintaining moisture throughout long school days.
Mascara: A curling and volumizing mascara opens up tired eyes after late-night study sessions. Waterproof formulas are ideal for long school days and perfect for withstanding even the hardest of gym classes.
Pressed Powder: Control shine and maintain your makeup look with a pressed powder compact that includes a mirror. Perfect for quick touch-ups between classes when you need to refresh your complexion.
Setting Spray: A setting spray helps lock your makeup in place for long study days. Use throughout the day to refresh your look and revitalize your appearance between classes.
Cheek and Lip Tint and Stain: A multi-tasking stain works on both cheeks and lips when you need a quick color refresh, saving space in your makeup bag while providing versatile color options.
Remember to choose products that are low-maintenance and can withstand long days. Multi-tasking products will help keep your makeup bag compact while still providing everything you need for quick touch-ups throughout the school day.
Natural, Fresh Complexion
The "less is more" approach is taking center stage for 2025. Students are opting for lightweight foundations or skin tints that give a natural, skin-like finish. Think of fresh-faced beauty that looks effortless while still providing coverage where needed.
- Brown Eyeliner Instead of Black
The harsh black winged liner is being replaced by softer, shorter brown wings that create definition without looking too dramatic.
- Mascara Remains Essential
While some trends suggest "no mascara" looks, for everyday school wear, mascara remains a staple product for opening up the eyes after late-night study sessions.
- Lip Balm Dominance
Lip balms are trending again! Pair a lip liner with a clear or tinted lip balm and keep your lips hydrated throughout the day. Now available in so many shades and flavors. Drop in your bag, backpack, car, pocket or all of the above.
- Multi-Use Hybrid Products
Skincare and makeup hybrids are perfect for student life. Products like a cheek and lip tint can be applied to both areas are a must. Don’t forget a setting spray with SPF that provides sun protection, along with keeping your makeup set for the day.
The overall back-to-school look for 2025 embraces individual beauty with minimal products —simple, effortless, soft, is what is trending allowing for quick application and touch-ups throughout busy school days.
**Glow Reviver Melting Lip Balm: **Easy to apply, available in numerous shades, affordable, and gives you a perfect pop of color for between-class touch-ups.
**Skin Tint with SPF: **Hydrating skin tint delivers light, buildable coverage with a natural, dewy finish. The SPF 50 protection works without leaving any white cast, giving you sun protection during outdoor activities.
**Lip Liner: **A quick and easy way to add color to your lips. Versatile enough to wear alone for a natural look or under lipstick for longer-lasting color and definition.
Pimple Patches: These discreet, hydrocolloid patches are perfect for school stress breakouts. Apply them overnight or even during school hours (the clear ones are barely noticeable, and you can even put makeup over them). They help flatten active breakouts and create a protective barrier over the infected area.
Facial Oil for Stressed Skin: Academic stress is REAL! A few drops of facial oil can be a game-changer, especially if you have acne prone skin! It helps clarify clogged pores, treat current and prevent new blackheads and soothes and calms your skin. Apply just 2-3 drops to clean skin or mix with moisturizer when your skin needs extra comfort.
Let's be real—between classes, lunch, and gym, who has time for makeup touch-ups? When you've created that perfect morning look, you need it to stick around all day! Here's how to make your makeup last from homeroom to after-school activities with e.l.f.'s game-changing products.
Start With Your Base
Starting with a face moisturizer is a must before applying any makeup. A good moisturizer can help to lock in all the hydration from your mists, serums, and toners while creating a smooth, plump-looking base to apply your makeup. Plus, ingredient-rich formulas may help your skin stay balanced even during stressful school days. Hydrated skin = better makeup!
Prep Is Everything!
Don't skip using primer! It's not just for foundation wearers. A good primer creates the perfect canvas for ALL your makeup to grip onto. e.l.f. Power Grip Primer is a total must-have that grips whatever makeup you put on top. The gel formula helps your makeup stay put through everything from pop quizzes to PE class!
Lock It Down
Once you've finished your makeup look, seal it with a setting spray! A couple of quick spritzes creates an invisible shield that keeps everything in place. A setting spray with an ultra-fine mist won't disturb your makeup and helps control shine throughout the day. Throw it in your bag for a midday refresh!
Quick Fixes Between Classes
For emergency touch-ups, keep e.l.f. Halo Glow Setting Powder in your bag. The built-in mirror makes it perfect for quick shine control without having to run to the bathroom. Just a light dusting will refresh your look in seconds!
With these simple steps and affordable e.l.f. products, you can create a look in the morning that stays fresh until the final bell—no touch-ups needed! Did you know that 75% of our makeup and skincare products are under $10!